Hotspot

HOTspotWembley

5 REASONS WE LOVE… WEMBLEY

Host to countless historic football fixtures and acclaimed live music events, Wembley has welcomed millions of visitors over the decades. But there is a lot more to this suburban town, which has enjoyed an impressive regeneration in the 15 years since the new Wembley Stadium was first unveiled

UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT

1 Wembley Stadium and its impressive arch 2 Vibrant "Little India" 3 Wembley SSE arena 4 Bustling Boxpark 5 Contrasting green spaces

Wembley in north west London was reached by London and Birmingham Railways in the mid19th century and by the 1920s had become an established suburb. Wembley Park was chosen to host the British Empire Exhibition in 1924, resulting in developments including the original Wembley Stadium. In 1965 the town became part of the new London Borough of Brent.

Dominated by the iconic arch of Wembley Stadium, the town now has a population of over 100,000 across the neighbourhoods of Alperton, North Wembley, Preston, Sudbury, Tokyngton and Wembley Park, which is almost unrecognisable from the unsightly industrial land and multi-storey car parks which greeted visitors in the early noughties. Brimming with new homes, of ces and leisure facilities, the area has been transformed into one of the most exciting new neighbourhoods in London. Beyond the newly developed Wembley Park, Wembley is a vibrant, cosmopolitan town with a large South Asian community; the area in and around Ealing Road is fondly known as "Little India", with dozens of restaurants, cafes and specialist stores offering the foods and fashions of South Asia.

Wembley is popular with families; there is a good choice of schools, with over 15 primary schools, including independent and faith schools, and secondaries including the highly rated Preston Manor School. Young professionals are also attracted by the area’s reasonable property prices, high-quality new build homes and accessibility to the city.

Located just 10 miles north-west of central London, one of Wembley’s biggest selling points is its proximity to the capital. The town bene ts from three stations – all in Zone 4; Wembley Park on the Metropolitan and Jubilee Lines (12 minutes to Baker Street), Wembley Central on the Bakerloo Line (28 minutes to Oxford Circus) and Overground (fast services to London Euston and Watford), and Wembley Stadium (rail services to Marylebone). Preston Road and Wembley North also offer Metropolitan and Bakerloo Line services.

Wembley Park’s regeneration has seen an abundance of new developments built close to the stadium, offering a convenient and more affordable option for rst time buyers priced out of Zones 2 and 3. Further out, there are plenty of property types to choose from including detached, semi-detached and terraced houses, mainly dating from the expansion in the 1920s and 1930s.

abundance of new developments built close to the stadium, offering a convenient and more affordable option for rst time buyers priced out of Zones 2 and 3. Further out, there are

OUT AND ABOUT

Around seven million visitors flock to Wembley every year, and with good reason! Wembley every year, and with good reason! Wembley Stadium, the country’s largest Wembley Stadium, the country’s largest sporting venue, and the SSE Arena, an sporting venue, and the SSE Arena, an impressive art deco-style live music venue, impressive art deco-style live music venue, both host incredible events and are right both host incredible events and are right on the doorstep. It is, however, unlikely that on the doorstep. It is, however, unlikely that you will be spending every weekend there, you will be spending every weekend there, so what else does the area have to offer? so what else does the area have to offer? Troubadour Wembley Park, a flexible 1,000 Troubadour Wembley Park, a flexible 1,000 to 2,000 seat theatre, for a start, making to 2,000 seat theatre, for a start, making world-class theatre easily accessible. There world-class theatre easily accessible. There is also a nine-screen Cineworld multiplex is also a nine-screen Cineworld multiplex cinema in London Designer Outlet. cinema in London Designer Outlet.

Wembley residents are spoilt for choice when it comes to shopping, from the hugely when it comes to shopping, from the hugely popular Wembley Market to the London popular Wembley Market to the London Designer Outlet promising up to 70% off Designer Outlet promising up to 70% off RRP of big brands including Kurt Geiger, RRP of big brands including Kurt Geiger, Superdry and Jack Wills. The High Road Superdry and Jack Wills. The High Road between Wembley Stadium and Wembley between Wembley Stadium and Wembley Central has all the high street favourites, Central has all the high street favourites, including TK Maxx and Primark, in addition including TK Maxx and Primark, in addition to more specialist independent to more specialist independent stores. Wembley Central stores. Wembley Central Shopping Centre also Shopping Centre also offers a good selection offers a good selection of high street stores. of high street stores. Slightly further Slightly further afield, you’ll find afield, you’ll find Westfield White Westfield White City with a City with a remarkable 286 remarkable 286 high street and high street and designer stores designer stores along with 90 along with 90 dining options. dining options.

Average property price in Brent (October 2021) – £494,976 Property breakdown*

Detached – £1,135,422

Semi-detached – £727,495

Terraced – £618,267

Flat – £389,042

*According to the Land Registry House Price Index

HOMES ON THE MARKET...

FROM £88,750*

FAMOUS RESIDENTS

• Actor and comedian Sir Lenny Henry • Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts • Astrologer Russell Grant • Nurse, journalist, broadcaster and novelist Claire Rayner • Actor Riz Ahmed

While restaurant chains dominate the shopping centres and Wembley Park, there is also an impressive range of independent eateries to explore. Locals rave about Young’s Peking Restaurant on Harrow Road, and there are plenty of options to enjoy South Asian food too. Masti, on the High Road, would be a great place to start, particularly if you plan to make a night of it; the impressive venue also boasts a bar and club! Boxpark Wembley, in the heart of Wembley Park, offers an abundance of street food choices in addition to some alternative entertainment options. The dedicated "p lay" space includes activities such as axe throwing, free-roam virtual reality experiences and crazy golf.

Wembley also has a softer side. The Yellow, Wembley Park’s community hub, gives residents access to a gym, yoga classes, participatory workshops, and a broad range of local community events, while Wembley Park Art Trail is a great opportunity to relax while enjoying the vibrant murals and thought-provoking interactive displays. For a seriously serene experience, the Sanatan Hindu Temple welcomes visitors to enjoy its stunning architecture and elaborate Jaisalmer limestone carvings.

There are plenty of green spaces too. King Edward VII Park in Park Lane was bought by the local council in 1913 and laid out as a public park in memory of the late monarch. The park has over 250 acres of fields, woods and ponds and incorporates a bowling green, sports pitches, tennis courts and a playground. Barham Park, to the west of the stadium, lets you step back in time to the Victorian era with its beautiful walled gardens and also has a children’s play area.

WEMBLEY

Arc Network Homes

Network Homes is excited to be offering a brand new development of shared ownership apartments in Wembley, located beside Wembley Stadium Overground station. Enjoy the best of 21st century urban living with a choice of one and two bedroom apartments. The development offers a chance to be part of a vibrant new neighbourhood at Wembley Park, with a range of shops, world-renowned sporting events and top- ight entertainment on your doorstep. Living here means you have access to excellent transport connections, providing you with an easy journey into central London and beyond. Under construction, Arc is expected to be complete in summer 2022.

0300 373 3000 networkhomesales.co.uk

*Based on a 25% share with a full market value of £355,000 (prices are indicative and subject to change)

NEW HOMES IN GREENWICH – BECOME PART OF THIS ICONIC ADDRESS

Greenwich is fast becoming one of the top choices for those looking to buy a home in London, with its unrivalled proximity to the city’s thriving business scene

For those looking to step on to the

property ladder, Greenwich Millennium Village offers buyers the opportunity to own their first home in this increasingly soughtafter area, with Help to Buy available on selected properties. The Observatory is the latest phase to launch at this iconic address. Forming part of The Parkside Collection, when complete it will comprise 65 highspecification one and two bedroom homes.

A PRIME LOCATION

Perfectly placed adjacent to the River Thames and on-site ecology park, The Observatory boasts a unique position within Greenwich Millennium Village. Residents here will enjoy some of the area’s best views over London and the surrounding parkland – both from the comfort of their own home, as well as from a communal rooftop terrace located on the 10th floor. Thoughtfully designed to include a quiet seating area and beautiful landscaped planting, the terrace provides residents with an urban oasis to escape the bustle of the city, enjoying the breathtaking cityscape from the sun rising over the Thames Barrier to the sun setting over Canary Wharf.

IDEAL FOR FIRST TIME BUYERS

Catering for first time buyers, Help to Buy is also available on selected homes at Greenwich Millennium Village, allowing those looking to step on to the property ladder to secure their first home with just a 5% deposit and a Government equity loan of up to 40% on all new homes up to £600,000.

HOMES DESIGNED FOR MODERN URBAN LIVING

With a superior specification as standard, each home benefits from open-plan layouts, quality stone worktops, fully integrated Bosch appliances, ample storage space and luxurious floor-to-ceiling windows affording fantastic views over London. Comfort cooling, engineered timber flooring, fully carpeted bedrooms and underfloor heating highlight the quality of furnishings and facilities buyers can expect from homes here.

In addition to the private balconies offered with each property, residents also benefit from access to exclusive amenities, including a dedicated day porter, as well as an impressive residents’ lounge. Whether you are visiting to socialise, work or relax, its flexible design and high-speed internet creates the perfect multi-functional space for use throughout the day.

BEST OF BOTH WORLDS

Adding to its desirability, Greenwich Millennium Village is one of the bestconnected developments in the city – perfectly located to enjoy all that London has to offer.

With North Greenwich station less than a mile away, Canary Wharf, Stratford and London Bridge are all easily accessible, yet it remains moments from the expanse of parklands that are central to life in this urban village. A diverse range of wildlife can be found within the unique four-acre Ecology Park, where the picturesque lakes, ponds, marshland, meadows, woodland and beaches provide a peaceful sanctuary, transporting residents out of the city. At the centre of the development, Southern Park envelops homes in swathes of green space, providing access to nature on the doorstep.

Prices for a one bedroom apartment in The Observatory start from £464,995, and residents can expect to move in from September 2022. For those looking to move sooner, there is a selection of one, two and three bedroom apartments in the other Parkside phase, 67 Park Central, with prices from £449,995 to £739,995. Many of these homes benefit from Help to Buy.

For further information, please visit greenwichmillenniumvillage.co.uk or call 020 8023 7177

HELP TO BUY AT HEART OF HALE – READY TO MOVE IN APRIL 2022

At Heart of Hale in Tottenham Hale, first time buyers are snapping up opportunities to join an up-and-coming neighbourhood with great transport links, independent shops and restaurants, and some of London’s most popular green spaces on their doorstep. With the first Help to Buy homes now available at 2 Ashley Road, the latest building to launch, buyers can step on to the property ladder with a 5% cash deposit and move in spring 2022

2 Ashley Road

A PROPERTY HOTSPOT

Heart of Hale is at the centre of one of the most exciting areas in the capital, and this trendy corner of north London is attracting discerning first time buyers who have rented in nearby Hackney, Islington and Stoke Newington.

For young buyers wanting to make a smart decision for the future, Tottenham Hale is currently one of the most affordable locations on the Victoria Line and research from JLL has predicted that house prices will rise by 24% over the next five years, compared with 17% across greater London.

BEST OF BOTH WORLDS

Heart of Hale is the perfect choice for those seeking a balanced lifestyle and access to both city and suburban life. Known for its independent spirit, Tottenham Hale is home to a number of well-known craft breweries, independent gastropubs and creative start-ups. Buyers at Heart of Hale will also be able to enjoy Hale Square, the vibrant centre of the development, where plans include restaurants, shops, cafes and a cinema.

It’s all a stone’s throw from the beautiful and sprawling Walthamstow Wetlands, with a 2km cycle path, walking routes and

Heart of Hale

a cafe. Also close by is the River Lea which offers activities including kayaking and paddleboarding – perfect for people who crave the outdoors and want to stay active.

While residents will have many reasons to stay in this buzzing neighbourhood, central London is just moments away. The Victoria Line takes residents to Oxford Street in just 16 minutes and King’s Cross in 11 minutes, and the development is only 31 minutes from London Stansted.

DESIGNED FOR MODERN LIFE

Earlier in 2021, 2 Ashley Road, a collection of one and two bedroom homes, launched with Help to Buy available for the first time. The homes deliver unparalleled quality, designed for open-plan, easy living with oversized windows to maximise daylight and spacious balconies that enjoy sweeping views of north London.

Interiors have a modern, luxurious feel and large double bedrooms are fitted with wool-mix carpets and mirrored sliding door wardrobes. Fully integrated contemporary kitchens are finished in a timeless and classic style.

Residents at 2 Ashley Road will also have access to the new private roof garden, The Deck. The fantastic space has expansive views of Alexandra Palace, the city skyline and beyond, to be enjoyed while relaxing, socialising or working outdoors.

2 Ashley Road

Prices at 2 Ashley Road start from £442,000 and interested buyers are encouraged to book an appointment to see the new show home. For more information, visit heartofhale.co.uk or call 020 7205 407

SHARED OWNERSHIP IS THE WAY AHEAD

One of the Government’s main schemes to help first time buyers over the years has been the Help to Buy: Equity Loan, and newly released figures show that in the year to the end of June 2021, a record-breaking 60,634 homes were bought using the scheme in a single year, taking it to a total of 339,347 homes since the scheme was launched in 2013

The scheme, which gives buyers a 20%

(or 40% in London) loan, interest-free for five years, has certainly been a success story for many buyers, but it is in its dying days – it was limited to first time buyers only last year and will close altogether in March 2023 with no plans to replace it.

Meanwhile, house prices continue to rise – despite the fear of an interest rate increase in December becoming a reality. According to the November Censeo Index, an average of the five leading indices of house price changes, house prices rose by an average of £2,876 in the previous month, bringing the annual increase up to 8% over a 12-month period.

For the average first time buyer, struggling to put away a few hundred pounds of their salary a month while paying ever-increasing charges for everything from rent to fuel to food, it might seem like a gloomy scenario. In fact, inflation recently hit a 10-year high, with a figure of 4.2%, with the Bank of England predicting a figure of 5% by April, while savings accounts have spectacularly failed to follow the upward trend, making the situation for those saving for a home doubly difficult.

Don’t despair! While Help to Buy is on the way out, shared ownership, also backed by the Government, is very much alive and kicking and has no end date – and it presents a realistic solution to the difficulty of saving up for a deposit in such a difficult economic climate. While an ordinary house purchase, or a purchase via Help to Buy, requires the buyer to put down a minimum 5% deposit based on the price of the whole property, the deposit for shared ownership is based on the amount of the share you purchase. With SO Resi, you can buy as little

SO Resi Ealing SO Resi Greenford

as 25% of a home, requiring a much smaller deposit, then pay a SO Resi payment to cover the share that you don’t own, making it a much more accessible way to get on to the ladder and with the opportunity to buy more shares at a later stage.

Here are some very affordable options for taking that first step:

SO RESI GREENFORD

At SO Resi Greenford in Ealing, you could move into a one bedroom apartment with a deposit of just £4,125 (5% of £82,500 for a 25% share of a full market value of £330,000). This development of 84 one to three bedroom shared ownership properties is conveniently situated a six-minute walk from Greenford tube station and five minutes from the shops at Westway Cross Retail Park. Most homes have balconies and an en suite and some parking is available.

SO RESI EALING

The contemporary one and two bedroom apartments here have access to a beautiful roof garden and courtyard gardens as well as their own private balcony. West Ealing Crossrail station is a seven-minute walk away and all the amenities of Ealing Broadway are close at hand. Deposits start from £5,250 for a 25% share of a one bedroom apartment worth £105,000 with a full market value of £420,000.

SO Resi Greenford

SO RESI HOPE GREEN

SO Resi’s latest project is an eco-friendly development in Stanford-le-Hope, Essex, where two-thirds of the properties reach net zero carbon. A total of 153 homes, comprising a mix of two bedroom apartments and two, three and four bedroom homes, will be available through shared ownership, prices TBC.

For more information visit soresi.co.uk Shared ownership subject to status

SOUTH EAST LONDON OFFERS A HUB OF HAPPINESS

Community, a sense of belonging, friendly neighbours and being able to be yourself are among the most important measures of happiness for London’s first time buyers¹ – and one district that is sparking joy for homebuyers is the vibrant south-east corner of the capital. For those eager to find a new home here, one of London’s largest housing providers, Peabody, is offering a range of stylish new homes available with Help to Buy and shared ownership across a selection of developments in Southwark, Greenwich and Lewisham – which was recently voted in top 20 happiest places to live in south east London

Arden*

Located in the prestigious SE1 postcode in the trendy London borough of

Southwark, Lazenby Square provides an affordable opportunity within a prime Zone 2 location. The development – the only shared ownership in the area – comprises a selection of luxurious one, two and three bedroom apartments with spacious, well-planned layouts, generous private outdoor space and some homes enjoying views across London’s iconic skyline. Buyers will benefit from an outstanding specification, combined with impressive amenities including a 24-hour concierge service, access to a gym, car club and beautiful landscaped gardens. Pricing starts from £135,000 for a 25% share in a one bedroom apartment, with a full market value of £540,000.

Head down the road to Lewisham, London’s Borough of Culture 2022, where the lively areas of Deptford and New Cross intersect, and enjoy the buzzing new community at The Scene, minutes away from popular Greenwich and within reach of Canary Wharf or London Bridge.

The Scene offers a collection of apartments and duplexes, with a selection of stylish three and four bedroom townhouses set to launch in January 2022. With spacious and flexible layouts and high-quality specification, The Scene is ideal for both first time buyers getting on the ladder and growing families seeking more room in a close-knit community. Current pricing starts from £555,000 for a two bedroom apartment with Help to Buy and £120,000 for a 30% share of a one bedroom apartment with a full market value of £400,000.

Positioned between cultural Lewisham, historic Greenwich and picturesque Blackheath is Arden at Parkside – part of the landmark regeneration story of the Heathside and Lethbridge. Here, the last one bedroom apartments available with Help to Buy benefit from an impressive range of on-site amenities including a concierge service, fitness suite and a co-working space. Prices start from £385,000 for a one bedroom apartment, with a collection of shared ownership homes launching early 2022.

Enjoy a stroll along the River Thames and take a peek at phase 2 of Peabody’s shared ownership homes at The River Gardens in Greenwich Wharf. The development comprises one, two and three bedroom apartments, complemented by a selection of amenities including allocated underground parking, residents’ gym, swimming pool and games court, communal landscaped gardens and a 24-hour concierge service. Interested buyers need to act quickly, as this second phase of homes is already 80% sold. Pricing starts from £121,250 for a 25% share of a one bedroom apartment with a full market value of £485,000.

Launching early 2022 is Peabody’s newest shared ownership offering at The Groves in the leafy south east London suburb of Sydenham. Offering a high-quality selection of one and two bed apartments alongside a collection of three bedroom townhouses available with shared ownership – it enjoys a secluded cul-de-sac setting, with nearby green spaces, good schools, as well as great transport links, making it an ideal choice for families seeking an affordable opportunity without compromising on space or location. The townhouses come with allocated parking. Pricing is to be confirmed ahead of the launch in early 2022.

For more information about any of Peabody’s developments available with Help to Buy or shared ownership, as well as those located in south London, please visit peabodysales.co.uk/south

¹rightmove.co.uk/news/happy-at-home *Computer generated images for guidance purposes only. Prices correct at time of publication, January 2022.

Lazenby Square

The Groves*

The River Gardens*

The Scene

With 2021 now behind us, buyers are looking to the future and considering their priorities for setting down roots. For many, Willesden Junction in west London is the place that ticks these boxes, where homes at Notting Hill Genesis’ Oaklands Rise provide buyers with the right mix of amenities to support these changing priorities

LOOK WEST FOR CONNECTIVITY, CONVENIENCE AND CALM AT OAKLANDS RISE

As hybrid and flexible working

become the norm, we’re more appreciative than ever of the spaces we inhabit, with the number of first time buyers keen to purchase up 50% from 2019.¹ The most important features to consider when buying a home are also changing, with the ability to work from home, and access to private outdoor and green spaces now topping the list of priorities.

At Oaklands Rise NW10, an exciting new development in the up-and-coming Old Oak and Park Royal regeneration zone, Notting Hill Genesis’ collection of contemporary shared ownership apartments is ideally suited for first time buyers looking to get on to the property ladder.

CONVENIENCE

For buyers prioritising convenient modern living, Oakland Rise’s 24-hour reception provides residents with safety and security in their everyday lives.

In addition to a dedicated concierge, the development’s on-site facilities include an exclusive residents’ lounge and work hub, as well as the future cafe and community “hangout” space with opportunities for group events such as yoga, lectures and film screenings.

With commercial spaces, a medical centre and a nursery also planned for the development, residents will be able to enjoy the convenience of community on their doorstep.

CONNECTIVITY

In addition to co-working facilities, buyers are looking for homes that provide them with the space and ability to stay well-connected in their homes. In Lysander House at Oaklands Rise, open-plan living, as well as TV and data points throughout living spaces and bedrooms, enable residents to work from home easily.

First time buyers are also prioritising a different sort of connectivity, with continued emphasis on access to fast transport links. On target to become the UK’s most connected area, residents at Oaklands Rise already benefit from proximity to the Central Line and Overground, both a 12-minute walk away at North Acton and Willesden Junction stations respectively. In addition, in the future, Old Oak Common station, just a few minutes’ walk away, will be the only place where HS2 and Crossrail will intersect.

The development is also the perfect location for cyclists, with 1,000 secure cycle spaces and a wealth of popular destinations within cyclable distance such as Regent’s Park and Hyde Park, reachable via dedicated TfL Cycleways including along the Grand Union Canal.

CALM

Private outdoor space and proximity to green open space have become increasingly important considerations for buyers. At Oaklands Rise, residents have exclusive access to two roof terraces that boast spectacular views of west London, in addition to spacious private terraces and balconies.

Residents can also enjoy the beautifully landscaped gardens and green streetscapes at Oaklands Rise, or head to nearby Wormwood Scrubs, where they can find 200 acres of open space, including a designated nature reserve, the Linford Christie Stadium, and 20 full-size football pitches.

Lizzie Stevens, Sales & Marketing Director at Notting Hill Genesis, comments, “As we move further into 2022, first time buyers are thinking more carefully than ever about their priorities when choosing a place to put down roots. With hybrid working set to become the norm, buyers want homes that support their changing lifestyles, with an emphasis on convenience, connectivity and green open space.

“At Oaklands Rise, our fantastic collection of shared ownership apartments is perfect for anyone looking to take their first step on the housing ladder. Our outdoor space, co-working facilities, concierge service and on-site amenities allow residents to focus on exploring what this exciting new area has to offer.”

Homes at Oaklands Rise are available through shared ownership, with two bedroom apartments starting from £105,750 for a 25% share.

For further information, visit nhgsales.com/oaklandsrise or call 020 3815 2222

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